Exercising versus training, is there even a difference, what do I mean by this? Well, there's a pretty big difference and it could be just the thing that is holding you back from meeting your goals. Let me explain what I mean...
Exercise
...See, exercise is good for us in so many ways that I'm sure I don't need to list here - we all know. Exercise is planned activity that will mean you are exerting yourself more than you would in your everyday activities, so chances are you are going to feel a bit sweaty and out of breath. Guidelines suggest healthy adults should be aiming for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise, plus a couple of full body resistance workouts (lifting weights). This is the recommendation to keep us fit and healthy. All good, but say you've been doing this - exercising regularly - perhaps a few classes a week, home workouts from the internet, maybe you like to run. Yet you still don't feel like you are anywhere near where you want to be, despite the time and effort you are putting in.
Why you should consider training
If you've got specific goals, be that aesthetic/physique based, performance or strength based, you're not optimising your chances of meeting them by simply exercising. You need to be training. And don't think that training is just for elite athletes, training is for anyone that has a particular goal, whatever that goals is. Training is all about specificity. You undertake a course of action that is designed to work towards meeting your goal. For example - if you want to be able to do 10 full push ups - you are going to have to do push ups (alongside other complementary exercises) regularly in your training in order to be able to accomplish this goal. This isn't going to happen without planning.
Training is specific and progressive
Training is planned to be specific and progressive. Specific means it is planned for you. Progressive meaning that you have to keep pushing if you are going to improve. This doesn't happen by chance. I think this is where big differences can be made. Following a plan that has been designed to be progressive and to keep pushing you. If you're following a plan, part of this is collecting data on your performance so that you know what you have accomplished so far and what you need to do next in order to keep improving.
Training requires consistency
Following a training plan can really help to keep you on track. On those days when motivation is low, you know that by sticking with your plan you are working towards your goal. Training is habitual, it's that consistent commitment, even on the days you really don't want to do it. It's really easy to skip the odd exercise session here or there and not really have anything to hold you accountable. If you're training and you're keeping track of your progress (or you're working with a PT who is helping you to do this) well, there's nowhere to hide when you see it there in black and white.
If you're interested in finding out more about training with me, just get in touch on the contact page and let's have a chat about your goals.
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